Thursday, September 27, 2012

The 1962 Russell Alumni Class enjoyed their reunion at the Russell Fall Festival, Saturday, September 15. The class of 16 enjoyed riding on Mike Beaty's horsedrawn wagon at the parade. They also enjoyed touring the Russell Museum.

Saturday evening they met for dinner and a program at Carpenter's Hall in Chariton.

Sunday morning, six of the class and their spouses met for breakfast at the Millerton Cafe in Millerton.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The photograph above, shows the Hasselquist building (the building later occupied by Merle Chester, Chester's Grocery). This building suffered damage but was saved from destruction when the Chariton Company arrived and a hose was finally coupled on and the blaze was soon extinguished on that building, but not until the whole west side had been practically burned out. If you compare this picture to the one where Sonnie's Beauty Shop was, you will see that at one time the building was a two-story building. Because of a shortage of hose it was some time before the firemen could reach the building. At one time Lloyd LaFavre had his grocery store on the SW corner of the intersection of Prairie and Shaw, in the old Hasselquist building.

Merle and Oneita operated the Chester Feed and Produce of Russell for approximately 30 years. Before Merle had the store, the Hiles and the Behnkes owned it. Merle bought the store from the Behnkes. Oneita said they were at someone’s funeral when the south side of Shaw Street burned back in 1929. The building where they later had their store lost the whole top floor to the fire, but the building was saved and repaired.

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Today, September 25, 2012, around 5:00p.m. a large truck pulled up in front of the building and unloaded the heavy duty piece of equipment shown in the color picture above. In less than two hours the building was torn down in order to construct a new modern building. Many people drove up and down Prairie Street to see a piece of Russell History disappear.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

First Place - Lowell Sims and Bob Hensley for their float "Businesses, Past and Present"

Second Place - Southside Tavern for a congregation of hats "Hats Off to Russell"

Third Place - Whiskey Dick's for the giveaway ride

Thanks to the Last Chance for providing a wonderful display of food for the noon meal. Al Butler and his sister Cindy for providing entertainment, the Chariton Middle School Band giving the parade a real touch of parade music and the community of Russell for making a success of the day. It was great to see the 1962 and 1967 class members here to participate in their school reunions.﻿

The Chariton After Prom Committee will host a benefit trap shoot on Sunday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Russell Sportsmen's Club range to raise funds for the After Prom Party. No experience is required and everything needed will be supplied, including certified instructors and mentors. To pre-register, call or text Dan at 641-203-5296.